Winter 2016 European Energy Innovation 39
SMART GRIDS
becomes even more evident. Smart by other countries to make local more than 80% of the global GHG
grid captures a range of advanced implementation faster and more emissions and promoters of more than
information, sensing, communications, efficient. 90% of green energy technologies
controls and energy technologies, investments. The experience
resulting in an electric power system ISGAN (International Smart Grid expressed in this context is therefore
that can intelligently integrate the Action Network) is an IEA Technology potentially unique and the reports and
actions of all connected users – from Collaboration Program (TCP) with tools developed within ISGAN and
power generators to electricity the vision to accelerate progress beyond can find a very fertile terrain
consumers, to those who do both. on key aspects of smart grid policy, for new developments, validation
Smart grid solutions are also found technology, and related standards and deployment. Policy relevance is a
across the entire electrical system, through voluntary participation by top priority for ISGAN. The unbiased
from the high voltage transmission governments in specific projects and technical expertise and the direct
grid, through the distribution grid and programs. ISGAN is also an initiative interaction with policy makers are the
finally on consumer level. of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) two major assets on which ISGAN can
and was formally established at CEM2 base its leadership.
Rapid developments in information in Abu Dhabi, in 2011. As the only
and communication technology are global government-to-government The collaborative efforts of ISGAN
facilitating the modernization of the initiative for sharing information, focuses on development of protocols
electricity system and the introduction best practices, and competence on and best practices, identification of
of new market solutions that can electricity networks ISGAN helps to environmental issues and mitigation
contribute to crucial changes in the identify solutions to accelerate smart options; and by publicizing its member
way customers participate on the grid deployment, enable replication countries’ and industries’ newly
market. New technology, new market of proven ideas, and support greater developed tools, techniques, R&D,
models and regulatory approaches national ambition in developing and and country support policies, ISGAN
that help to increase flexibility deploying smart grids. In addition, contributes to a global benchmark
throughout the system will enhance ISGAN facilitates dynamic knowledge and collaborative attitude among
the functioning of the market to the sharing, technical assistance, participating countries.
benefit of consumers. It is in this and project coordination, where
perspective that the need to further appropriate. ISGAN participants report ISGAN activities are conducted in
develop and invest in smart grids is to periodically on progress and projects several areas:
be considered. to the Ministers of the Clean Energy
Ministerial, in addition to IEA reporting • The working group on smart
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION requirements. grid case studies captures and
THROUGH ISGAN shares important lessons learned
The opportunities provided by Smart Membership in ISGAN is voluntary, and from the many smart grid pilot,
Grid is basically determined by currently includes Australia, Austria, demonstration, and deployment
the same set of drivers in different Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, projects completed or underway.
regions of the world, but with different European Commission, Finland,
priorities. In the developing world, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, • A cost–benefit analysis working
demand is growing rapidly. Driving the Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, group collects and evaluates
need for massive investments in grid Norway, Russia, Singapore, South existing methodologies and
to connect more and more people Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and tools and develops new tools
while delivering high level of services. the United States., for assessing grid maturity and
Developed countries face problems measuring smart grid benefits and
with an aging infrastructure. In Europe ISGAN plays an amalgamating role costs.
policy goals like the full integration between government and related
of the internal electricity market private sector in both informal and • A working group on strategic
and the integration of renewables formal ways. ISGAN focuses its communications helps other
as well as increasingly constrained activities on those aspects of smart ISGAN activities translate complex
networks have been identified as the grids where governments have information on smart grids for
dominant drivers. It is therefore no regulatory authority and expertise. decision makers and highlight areas
generic solution or size that fits all for for further ISGAN or CEM attention.
the solution towards the smart and ISGAN ACTIVITIES AND
strong grid. At the same time there ACHIEVEMENTS • The Smart Grid International
are generic solutions and findings The present ISGAN membership Research Facility Network (SIRFN)
from experiences that can be adapted includes countries responsible for brings together world-class
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